Last-pulling machine



B. F. MAYO.

LAST PULLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.I8, 1915.

Patented Mar; 14, 1922.,

3 SHEETS-SHEET l- B F. MAYO. LAST PULLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man AUG. I8, 1915.

1,409, 1 92. Patented Mar. 14, 1922, 66 50 2, SHEETS-SHEET 2. Q a 6 1 62 \1 v64 @769 64 a Q I -88 66 35 66 0 w Q W 0% L B. F. MAYO. LAST PULLING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 18. 1915.

1,409, 1 92'. Patented Mar. 14, 1922.

I 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- 25 ii i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

. BENJAMIN F. MAYO, 0F SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CORPORATION, OF PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

LAST-FUELING MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

'Be it known that I, BENJAMIN F. MAYO, a citizen of the United States, residing at Salem, in'the county of Essex and State of lWlassachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Last-Pulling Machines, of which the, following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to machines, commonly, termed last pulling machines, for separating shoes and last and in general the object of the present invention is to provide an improved machine of this character.

In the manufacture of various types of boots and shoes, after the lasting operation it is necessary to separate the shoes from the lasts over which they have been shaped.

During the lasting operation, the upper is drawn tightly over the last and is secured on the last in close confornnty thereto, so

"that the operation of separating shoes and lasts involves the application of considerable force and necessarily sub ects various parts of the shoe to substantial strain.

' in a prior U. S. Patent, No. 1,288,436,

r The present invention provides a last pulling machine of a structurally different type utilizing the same principle of operation but embodying in addition certain novel features of improvement in the last pulling art.-

One feature of the present invention consists in certain novel mechanism for stretching the shoe on the last to facilitate separation of the shoe and last. In the illustrative embodiment oi the invention described herein. means are provided for loosening the shoe by stretching or straining the shoe on the last through transverse relative movement of the shoe and last. Manually controlled means are provided for varying the Specification of Letters Patent. Patented D1 14 1922,

Application filed August 18, 1915. Serial No. 46,173.

extent of the transverse stretching movement and also for rendering the mechanism inoperative as desired, So far as I am aware, this feature constitutes a broadly new step 1n the art and it is intended that the claims drawn to this feature both per se and in combination with the last pulling mechanism be construed broadly.

Another feature of the present invention resides in certain novel structure arranged to effect the separation of a shoe and last while in an upright position. When separation of the shoe and last is effected with the shoe and last held in inverted position, the operator is unable to view the effect of the pulling operation upon the shoe upper and is at a disadvantage in securing the last holding means to the last as well as in other steps in the last pulling operation. So far as I am aware, the machine of the present invention is the first organized machine (as contrasted with a hand operated device) to provide for separation of the shoe and last with these parts in substantially upright position. Accordingly, this feature is claimed broadly herein.

A further feature of the invention resides in a construction whereby the shoe may be releasably held. In the embodiment illustrated, an integral member is arranged to engage the rear portion of the shoe at opposite sides of its longitudinal median line to provide an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise heelward movement. This member normally tends to engage the shoe so that separation of a shoe and last may be effected, but manually controlled means are provided for releasing the shoe. A conspicuous advantage derived from such a releasing means is that the shoe may be quickly released should the last stick because of the lining or of undrawn lasting tacks, or should the upper start to break because of defective leather or a sticking last, or for any other reason. In a machine wherein the shoe is held in upright position, the last pulling action on the shoe is observable at all times and the shoe may be quickly released whenever necessary.

A further feature of the invention consists in novel mechanism for relatively moving the shoe and last including shoe holding means and last holding means arranged for relative last and shoe separating movesuccessive stages of the last pulling opera;v

tion. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the interconnected pulling 1nem-- bers comprise a last holder, and a chain having one end pivoted to the last holder at a point rearwardly of the heel end of the last and having its other end pivoted to a swing ing segment located rearwardly of the heel end of the last and having a track to receive the chain as the segment is turned on its pivot. Turning movement of the segment transmits to the last pulling forces in directions generally perpendicular to the plane of the last bottom and lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last, and the pivotal connection between the chain and last carrier provides for relative swinging movement about the point of pivotal connection and permits the latter to float without having a predetermined path of movement.

Other features of the invention resides in certain structural provisions for supporting the shoe, and for connecting and disconnecting the pulling mechanism from the operat- 'view' of the machine, illustrating the position of the last pulling parts at the start of the last pulling operation;

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate diagrammatically the relatively changed position of the parts during later stages of the last pulling operation; v

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the gripper frame and shoe gripping devices; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in elevation, partly broken away, illustrating theparts of the mechanism for rocking the'gripper frame, to stretch the shoe.

Referring to the drawings, a. base 2 is shown as supported by suitable standards and having upon its rear upper face a gear housing 4 with a casing 6 superposed upon this housing and arranged to contain the mechanism operating upon the last. The shaft 8 extends through and is journaled in the housing 4, its rear end projecting from the rear of the housing and carrying a fixed pulley 10 and a loose pulley 12-desigued to be driven by a suitable belting (not shown).

The shaft 8 within the housing-4 carries a worm 14. A counter shaft 16 extends upwardly through the housing 4, its upper end being journaled in a gear housing 18 formed on the superposed casingG, a bevel gear, 20 beingsecu red" to the upper end of this count r h ter shaft 16 carries a worm gear 22 in mesh with the worm 14 upon the main driving shaft 8. Atthefront faeeof the housing 4 a sub stantially U-shaped gripper head 24 is swiveled by means of a sleeve 25 extending through and supported within the housing 4. A releasing rod26 extends through this sleeve for a purpose hereinafter explained. The gripper head is of channel formation and. is designed to receive and house certain gripper releasing members hereinafter described".

The base 2 of the housing 4 is provided with a raised support 28, disposed in line with the gripper head and. designed. to receive and support a shoe in upright position. This support is providedwith a yield ing non-abrasive facing 30 as of felt, which will engage the sole of the shoe and yield slightly under pressure. To engage the rear part of the shoe counter at opposite sides of the median line of the shoe, I have provided an integral flexible band 32 forming a single movable shoe engaging means adapted to engage the shoe as described and forming an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise movement heelward. The band 32 is substantially U-shaped and at its forward ends is engaged by channeled blocks 34. These blocks are provided'with' ears to whichthe forward ends of hell cranks 36 are'pivotally connected. These bell cranks are pivoted to the gripper head 24 and are housed within the head, their rear ends abutting at a point in line with the front end of a releasing rod 26. The ends of the gripper head are enlarged to form cylindrical housings 38, within which are mounted coil springs 40 whose ends project from: the inner ends of the housings 38 and engage studs on the ends of the bell crank levers to force the levers and blocks 34 toward each other so that the band 32 normally tends to grip and hold a shoe at opposite sides of its longitudinal median line. The tension of the coil springs 40 may be adjusted by suitable means, such as the screws 42. The rod 26 is moved forwardly to engage and move'the rear ends of the bell cranks 36 and thereby move the blocks 34 and the ends of the band outwardly by means of a bell crank lever 44. This bel crank is pivoted within the base 2 with its upper end abutting against the rear end of the rod 26 which normally projects out beyond the rear face of the housing 4. The bell'crank lever 44 is afforded clearance over the driving shaft 8 by having its upwardly extending, arm formed as a lVithin the housing 4, the counyoke 46 loosely encircling the shaft 8 and spaced sufliciently therefrom to permit the operation of the lever without engaging the shaft. The tension of the coil springs 40 acting against the forward end of the releasing rod 26 is sufficient to hold the rear end of this rod projected rearwardly against the gravity actuated thrust of hell crank lever 44. A treadle 48 is connected by a link 50 to the forward end of the bell crank lever 44, so that the operator, by depressing the treadle, may move the releasing rod 26 forwardly to engage the rear ends of the bell cranks 36 and swing the bell cranks in a direction to retract the flexible band 32 from engagement with the opposite sides of the rear portion of the shoe;

in orderto loosen the shoe on the last and facilitate the separation of the shoe and last,

I have provided mechanism to rock the gripper head 24. This head, .in line with its swiveling sleeve 25, is provided with a depending arm 52, see Fig. 2. A controlling hand lever 54 is pivoted to the base 2 at one side of the gripper head and extends transversely of and beyond the base, its free end being formed as a handle 56. A flanged plate 58 is pivoted at its upper end to the lever 54 at a point below the axis of the sleeve 25 of the head as shown at 55, Figs. 2 and 6. A lever 60 is positioned between the flanges of the plate 58 and has its upper end pivoted to the depending lever arm 52, which is also positioned between the flanges of the plate. The driving shaft 8 has its forward end provided with a disk 62 flush with the frontface of the housing 4 and carrying an eccentric pin and anti-friction roller 64 which is positioned between the flanges of the plate 58, so that as the disli 62 is rotated through the shaft 8, the eccentric roller 64 will en age alternatively with the opposite flanges of the plate to swing the plate 58 and the lever 60 carried thereby. This swinging action of the flanged plate 58 and lever 60 is utilized to transmit swinging motion to the arm 52 and rock the gripper head upon its sleeve 25. Inasmuch as the shoe gripping band 32 is connected to the bell crank levers carried by the gripper head, a rocking movement of the gripper head transversely of the shoe and last will wiggle or move the shoe transversely relatively to the last. This action will result in the stretching and loosening of the shoe on the last. The extent of the rocking motion is determined by the position of the pivotal connection of the plate 58 to the hand lever 54 relatively to the pivot of lever 60 on arm 52. lVhen the lever arm 54 is manually moved to bring the pivot of plate 58 in line with the pivot of lever 60, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the mechanism. is rendered inoperative to rock the gripper head to stretch the shoe, inasmuch pawl will be automatically released.

,its point of pivotal connection to arm 52.

If the handle is moved to bring the pivot of plate 58 below the pivot of the lever 60, the fulcrum point of the lever is shifted and consequently motion will be imparted to the gripper head, the extent of the motion depending upon the distance of the pivot of plate below the pivot point of the lever 60. It will be evident, therefore, that by operating the handle of lever 54, the extent of rocking motion imparted to the gripper head 24 may be varied or rocking motion may be entirely prevented, although it will be evident that in the latter case, the plate and lever will continue to oscillate, but without transmitting any motion to the lever The connection of the last pulling mechanism to the drive shaft is through a counter shaft 16 whose upper end, as before stated, carries a bevel gear 20 in a gear housing 18 of the superposed casing 6. In order to pull a last from a shoe, a last holding means is connected to pulling mechanism mounted in the superposed casing 6. As shown in the dra vings, the last holding means comprises a jack 66 having a downwardly projecting spindle 68 carrying a last pin 70 designed to be inserted in the thimble of a last, such as 72, in shoe 74 from which the last is to be pulled. This jack has its forward end formed as a handle designed to be grasped by the operator in inserting the last pin in the last thimble.

The mechanism for pulling the jack and last in a direction to remove the last from the shoe comprises a shaft 78 extending horizontally of the casing 6 and journaled in said casing and in. the gear housing 18 thereon. This shaft is connected to the counter shaft- 16 and in turn to the main driving shaft 8 by means of a bevel gear meshing with the bevel gear 20 at the upper end of the counter shaft 16. The shaft 78 carries a ratchet driving wheel 82 which is embraced between the arms of a bifurcated pulling segment 84 journaled on the shaft 78 and having pivotally mounted between its sides a double ended pawl 86 arranged to be manually moved into engagement with the teeth of the driving ratchet wheel so that the segment will be rotated through a partial revolution, at the end of which the The rear end of the segment 84 is provided with a hollow cylindrical head 88 housing a spring pressed detent 92 rranged to engage in notches 90 in the rear face of the pawl to hold the pawl in or out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel. One side or arm of the bifurcated segment is' formed with an arcuate slot 94 therein concentric with shaft 78 and with a radius equal to the distance of the pawl pivot from the shaft. A stud 96 carried by the casing 6 extends into this slot 9st and in the line of movement of the free end of pawl 86 when the segment is rotated by the ratchet 82. Consequently when the pawl 86 has been thrown into engagement with the ratchet, the segment will be rotated until the free end of the pawl 86 strikes the pin 96 and is moved by the pin to release its opposite end from engagement with the ratchet. This releasing action takes place at the end of a last pulling operation effected through connection of the rotated segment with the last jack 66.

The front end of the segment 84L- is closed and is curved on an arc substantially concentric with the shaft 78. Spaced concentric flanges 98 are formed at this closed end of the segment, forming with the closed end a channeled track, designed to receive an elongated flexible pulling member connected with the last ack. Such a member is provided in the form of a flexible chain 100, the upper end of which is pivoted between the flanges 98 at one end of the track, the other and lower end of the chain being pivotally attached to the rear end of the jack 66. The casing 6 at its front isformed with spaced walls 102, between which the jack is guided for vertical last pulling movement. These walls hold the jack against appreciable lateral movement so as to enable the last to be held against lateral movement while the gripper head is rocked laterally to loosen the shoe on the last. The flexible chain connection 100 permits the jack and last pin to be freely tilted to the angle of the last thi'mble, so that the last pin may assume the angle of entry into the last thimble, as well as the angle necessary to cramp the last pin in the thimble in firm holding and pulling engagement with the last.

The point otpulling contact of the segment track with the chain connection of the jack is rearwardly of the rear end of the jack and of the last and shoe. Consequently, the line of pull will be in a line diagonally upward and rearwardly and the extent of pull will be'such that the last will be completely removed from the shoe at the end of the operation. In Fig. 2 of the drawings the parts are seen in the position they occupy at the start of the last pulling operation. In Fig. 3', the last has reached thev position where it clears the heel of the shoe counter and inFig. At, the last occupies the position it will assume prior to the termination of the pulling movementand subsequent to the clearance of the shoe counter by the last heel. It will be noted that the last is given a substantial movement lengthwise of the shoe after the last heel clears the heel of the shoe counter. If desired, the chain track on the segment may be made eccentric to the shaft '78 and figured to give an increased lengthwise movement to the chain after the counter of the shoe has been cleared. The flexible chain connection and the fact that the pulling segment is positioned rearwardly of the shoe and jack, however, provide a very substantial lengthwise movement of the jack and last as soon as the heel of the last clears the shoe counter. Prior to this decided diagonally lengthwise movement of the last, the resistance offered by the shoe counter to lengthwise movement of the last, reacts through the last to swing the last carrier relatively to the chain and pulling segment until a modified line of pull is secured to which the shoe offers substantially less re sistance. This automatic relative adjustment of the interconnected pulling members formed by the last holder, chain and pulling segment to change the line of pull on the last to a line to which the shoe ofi'ers less resistance, occurs during the successive stages of last and shoe separation and is effected through the freedom of the last holder and chain toswing relatively to each other and to the pnlling segment in response to the resistance oifered by the shoe to the pulling thrust of the last. l

The operation of the machine in pulling a last is, briefly, as follows: The operator takes a shoe with its last and places the shoe in an upright position on the support 2830, the treadle 48 being first depressed toopen the gripping band 38 and then released when the shoe has been properly positioned relatively to the band. The yielding facing 30 for the support is preferably at a. slight angle to the horizontal, so that the forepart of the shoe resting thereon will incline slightly upwardly (see Fig. 2). Prior to the insertion of the shoe between the sides of the gripping band 32 the lever handle 56 is adjusted so that the wiggling or shoe stretching action does not take place. hen the shoe has been properly positioned and gripped, the last jack' 66 is moved downardly to bring its last pin into holding engagement with the thimble-ot the last. When this has been effected, the parts will occupy the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The operator then depresses the pawl 86 so that its forward end is moved 7 into engagement with the rotating ratchet wheel 82. Thereupon, the segment will be rotated, pulling the chain connection 100 upwardly in a diagonally rearward direction and pulling the last from the shoe in, the manner heretofore described. Subsequent to the insertion of the shoe, whereby it is gripped by the band 32', the handle 56 may be moved downwardly to-start the rocking of the gripper head. This stretching of the shoe may occur at any time subsequent to the engagement of the shoe and last holding means but 18 most eifective'during the initial stage of last separating movement. In both cases the removal of the last is greatly facilitated by the stretching of the shoe through the rocking action of the gripper head. lVhen the shoe is stretched and loosened on the last prior to the last pulling operation the walls 102 will prevent any appreciable lateral movement of the jack and last, though the operator may also hold the jack handle against any possible lateral. movement. \Vhen' the stretching and lOOSQ-ning action takes place during the last pulling operation the vertical pull of the chain against the last in co-operation with the guiding walls 102 is ordinarily sufficient to hold the last against appreciable lateral movement during the lat eral rocking movement of the shoe grippers and shoe. In this case also, the operative may grasp the jack handle to hold the jack against any possible lateral movement and incidently relieve. the strain against the end to the upward movement of the ball portion of the last. The rocking action of the gripper head also stretches the upper and materially relieves the strain against the vamp throat by reason of the stretchin action.

As the shoe is separated'lrom the last in upright position, it will be visible to the operatorat all times, and consequently should the shoe be defective or defectively made so that the last sticks (as where the lining of ashoe sticks or the lasting tacks have not been removed). the operator will be able to prevent the shoe from being ruined or injuriously strained by depressing the treadle 4'8 to release the gripping means. This is also true where the upper leather is weak or defective and the shoe starts tobrealri ordinary operation. when the last has been completely removed from the shoe. the j a li. when it reaches the extreme limit its up ward movement. will be engaged by a pivoted latch 10 1 (Fig. 1) and will be retained thereby in raised position, so that the last may be removed from its last pin. This latch is in the form of an arm mounted intermediate of its ends on a pivot stud projecting from the casing 6. One end of the arm constitutes a finger hold and the other end is bentinwa rdly and extends through an aperture in the adjacent guide wall 102. A coiled spring 103 normally tends to press the bent end through this aperture. As the last In the jack with the last reaches the limit of its up ward movement, the bent end of latch arm 104 which extends through the wall 102 will snap beneath the lower edge of the jack and will support the jack in its raised position after the pulling segment is unclutched from the driving ratchet. Such holding means is desirable, inasmuch as the segment is automatically unclutched from the driving ratchet wheel at the termination of the pulling operation and without some means to hold the last jack elevated, it would immediately drop down and possibly injure the machine or the shoe. It is to be noted that when the segment is automatically unclutched from the ratchet wheel, it will naturally tend to swing by grayity back to its original position. The operator then removes the last, moves the latch 10% to release the jack and tilts the jack forwardly into holding engagement with the last of the next shoe. c

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters'Patent of the United States is 1. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means forholding a last, means for effecting relative movement of said shoe and last holding means in a direction to effect separation of the shoe and last, and means for effecting relative movement between said shoe holding means and last in direct-ion transversely of the shoe and last to stretch the. shoe and facilitate separation of the shoe and last.

2. A last pulling machine comprising in combination. means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last. means for effecting movement of one of said' holding means relative to the other in a direction to separate the shoe and last, and means for moving the other of said holding means relative to the first and in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch the shoe.

3. A last pulling machine comprising in combination. means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for effecting relative movement between said shoe holding and said last holding means in a direction to separate the shoe and last, and means for wiggling one of said holding means to stretch theshoe and facilitate the separation of the shoe and last.

41-. A last pulling machine comprising in combination. means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for moving said last holding means relative to said shoe holding means and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, and means formo'ving said shoe holding means in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch and loosen the shoe and facilitate separation of the last from the shoe.

5. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for moving said last holding means relative to said shoe holding means and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, and means for wiggling said shoe holding means to stretch and loosen the shoe and facilitate the separation of the last from the shoe.

'6. A last pulling machine comprising 111 combination, means movable to grip and hold ashoe, said means being mounted for swinging movement, means to hold a last, means for moving said last holding means in a direction to separate the last from the shoe and means to swing the shoe holding means to stretch and loosen the shoe and facilitate the-separation of the last from the shoe.

7. last pulling machine comprising in combination, means. movable to grip and hold a shoe. said means being mounted to swing in a direction transversely of the shoe, means to hold a last, means for moving said last holding means along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and hava last. mechanism for moving said last hold mg means along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the last from the shoe, and means operable to rock the shoe gripper $111116 to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last and facilitate separation of the last from the shoe.

9.:A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means movable to grip and hold a shoe, a frame in which said gripping means are mounted, said frame being mounted for rocking movement in a direction transversely of the shoe, a jack for engaging a last, mechanism for operating the jack to move the lastalong a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the last from the shoe, said mechanism including a flexible connection to the jack, and means operable to rock the shoe gripper frame to r andl en esh t -le t-v 10. A last pulling machine comprising, in

combination, a frame,a shoe gripping head having a pivot member journaled in said frame for transverse swinging movement of the gripping head relative to the last, means for engaging and holding the last against transverse movement relative to the shoe and gripping head, means to rockthe gripping and lastalong a line having one component substantially perpendicular to, the plane of the bottom oi the shoe and having a sec-v ond component lengthwise heelward of the, shoe and last to separate the shoe and last.

'11. A last pulling machine comprising, in, combination, a frame,'-a shoe gripping head having a sleeve journaled in said frame for movementot the gripping head transversely relative to the shoe and last, means for engaging and holding the last against transverse movement relative to the shoe gripping head and shoe, means carriedby said head normally'tending to engage and grip a shoe, releasing means extending through said sleeve and arranged to be manually operated to release the shoe from said gripping means, means for rocking said gripping head to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last, and means. for effecting relative movement between said last holding and shoe gripping means to effect relative movement of the shoe and last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoev and last to, separate the shoe and last. r V

12- A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for elfecting relative movement of said shoe and last holding means'in a direction'to efi'ect separation of the shoe and last, means for effecting relative movement between said shoe and last holding means in a difi'erentdirection to stretch the shoe and facilitate such separation and means for rendering said shoe stretching means inoperative.

13. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe;

means for holding a last, means for effecting relative movement of said shoe and last holding means in a direction to effect separation of the shoe and last. means arranged to stretch the "shoeto facilitate the separation of the shoe'and last, and means for rendering said stretching means inoperative.

14. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for effecting-movement ofone of said holding means relative to the other of said holding means and in a direction to separate the shoe and last, mechanism constructed and arranged to move said other holding means in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch the shoe and. facilitate separation oi the shoe and last, with means to render said shoe stretching mechanism inoperative.

A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means tor holding a last, means for moving said last holding means relative to said shoe holding means and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, means tor moving said shoe holding means in a direct-ion transversely ot' the last to stretch and loosen the shoe and facilitate separation of the last from the shoe, with means arranged to render said shoe stretching means inoperative.

16. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a last, means for holding a shoe, mechanism to move said last holding means relative to the shoe and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, means to move the shoe relative to the last and in a direction to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last, with means for rendering said shoe stretching means inoperative.

17. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means movable to grip and hold a shoe, said means being mounted for swingim movement, means to hold a last, mechanism for moving said last holding means in direction to separate the last from the shoe, means to swing the shoe holding means to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last and facilitate the separation of the last from the shoe, with means to render said swinging means inoperative.

18. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means movable to grip and hold a shoe, said means being mounted to swingin a direction transversely of the shoe, means to hold alast, mechanism for moving said last holding means along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe. and last to separate the last from theshoe, means operative to swing said shoe holding means transversely of the last to stretch and loosen the shoe and last, with manually controlled means to render said swinging means inoperative.

19. A last pulling machine comprising in combination. a frame, av shoe gripping head having a pivot member journaled in the frame for transverse swinging movement of the head-relative to the last, means for engaging and holding the last against transverse movement relative to the shoe and its gripping head, mechanism for rocking the gripping head and shoe relative to the last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last including manually controlled means for rendering said mechanism in operative to rock the head. and means for effecting relative movement between the shoe gripping means and the last holding means to effect relative movement of the shoe and last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom otthe shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi? the shoe and last to separate the shoe and last.

20. A last nilling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holdi a last, means for effecting relative movement of said shoe and last holding means in a direction to eflect separation of the shoe and last, means arranged to stretch the shoe transversely on the last and facilitate such separation, with means for controlling the action of said shoe stretching means. 7 21. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last. mechanism for et fecting a relative movement of said shoe and last holding means in a direction to effect separation of the shoe and last, means for effecting relative movement between said shoe and last holding means in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last and facilitate such separation, with means for controlling the action of said shoe stretching means.

22. A last pulling machine coniprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, mechanism for etlecting movement of one of said holding means relat ve to the other and in a direction to eflect separation of the shoe and last, means constructed and arranged to move the other of said holding means in a direction to stretch the shoe on the last to facilitate such separation, with means for manually controlling the action of the shoe stretching means.

23. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, means for effecting movement of one of said holding meansrelative to the other o'l said holding means and in a direction to scpa rate the shoe and last. mechanism ronstructed and arranged to more said other holding means n a. direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch the shoe on the last and facilitate such separation. with manually ontrolled means tor varying the action of the shoe stretching means. i

24;. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe. means for holding a last, means for moving said last holding means relative. to said shoe and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, mechanism for moving said shoe holding means in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last to facilitate such separation, and means for manually controlling the action of the shoe stretching means.

25. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last, mechanism for moving said last holding means relative to said shoe and in a direction to separate the last from the shoe, mechanism for wiggling the shoe holding means to stretch and loosen movement between the shoe and last holding means in adifierentdirection to stretch an loosen the shoe'on the last. I

27; A last pulling machine comprising in combination, .means for holding a shoe, means for "holding a last, mechanism for moving said last holding means relative to said shoe and in a direction to separate the lastvfrom the shoe, and means arranged to impart variable wiggling motion to the shoe holding means to stretch the shoe on the last and facilitate such separation.

28. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a last,'means for holding a shoe, mechanism to move-said last holding means relative to the shoe and in a'direotion to separate the last from the shoe, means to move the shoe holding means relative to and transversely of the last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last, with manually controlled means -for varying the movement ofthe shoe holding means.

29. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a last, means for holding-a shoe, mechanism to move said last holding means relatively to the shoe and along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate'the last from the shoe, and mechanism for stretching the shoe on the last, including a lever for moving the shoe holding means in a direction transversely of the last.

30. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, means for holding a last, means for holding a shoe, mechanism for moving said last holding means relatively to the shoe and along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component-lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the last from the shoe,

and mechanism for stretching the shoe on the last, including a lever for moving the shoe transversely on the last and means for varying the operative movementof the lever. 31. A last pulling machine'comprising in combination, means for holding a last, means 'fior holding a shoe mounted i or rocking movement, mechanism to movethe last holding means relatively to the shoe along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component length-c wise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the last *f'rom'the shoe, and mechanism for rocking the shoe holding means in a direction transversely ofthe last 'to stretch the shoe on the last, such mechanism including a swinging lever and manually controlled means for varying the movement of said lever.

'32. A last pulling machine comprising in combination, a support, shoe grippingmeans pivotally mountedon said support for transverse swinging movement of thegripping means relative tothe last, means for engaging and holding the last against transverse movement relative to the gripping means and shoe, mechanism for rocking the gripping means and-shoe relative to the last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last, including means for manually controlling the rocking action-of said mechanism, and means for effecting relative movement of the shoe gripping and last holding means to effect relative shoe and last movement along a line having one component substantially 'per-; pendi'cular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the shoe and last.

33. Means for stretching a lasted shoe on its last, comprising last holding means, shoe clamping means, and mechanism for relatively moving said clamping and holding means to stretch theshoetransversely on-the last, said mechanism including a lever connection to one of said means and mechanism for moving the lever.

34;. Means for stretching a *shoe on a last,- comprising last holding means, shoe hold-' ing means, and mechanism for moving one of said holding means including a lever connection to said holding means, means for swinging said connection in a direction to rock the holding means transversely relatively to the shoe and last, with means for varying theswing of said lever.

35. Meansfor stretching-a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means, and mechanism for moving one of said holding means-including a lever con nection to said holding means," means for swinging said connection in a direction to rock the holding means transversely relatively to the shoeand last, with means operative to vary the swing of said lever and to render the lever connection inoperative to move said holding means.

36. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding mean shoe holding means, mechanism for 'n oving one of said holding means relatively to the other to stretch the shoe, said mechanism including a lever connection to the holding means arranged to swing in a direction to move the holding means transversely relatively to the shoe and last with manually cont rolled means for shifting the fulcrum ot the lever to vary its swing.

37. Means for stretching a shoe on a last. comprising last holding means, shoe holding means, one of said holding means being pivotally mounted for rocking movement transversely relatively to the other holding means, and mechanism for rocking the pivoted holding means, including a lever connection to said holding means to rock the same transversely of the shoe and last.

38. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means, one of said holding means bemg pivotally mounted for rocking movement relatively to the other holding means, and mechanism for rocking the pivoted holding means, including a lever connection to said holding means to rock the same transversely of the shoe and last, said mechanism being manually controlled.

39. Means for stretching a lasted shoe on its last, comprising last holding means, shoe clamping means, and mechanism for moving one of said means to effect relative movement between a shoe and last in a direction transversely of the shoe and last to stretch the shoe on the last.

40. Means for stretching a lasted shoe on its last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means, one of said holding means being mounted to rock relatively to the other in a direction transversely of the shoe and last and mechanism for rocking said holding means.

-11. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means mounted to rock the shoe transversely on the last and means for rocking said shoe holding means.

42-. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means mounted to rock the shoe transversely on the last, with mechanism for rocking said shoe holding means, including means for manually controlling the rocking motion.

Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means mounted to rock the shoe transversely on the last, and mechanism for rocking the shoe holding means, including manually controlled means for rendering said mechanism inoperative.

44. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means mounted to rock transversely relatively to the last. and mechanism for rocking said shoe. holding n'ieans including a lever connection to the holding means and means for swinging the lever.

Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding means mounted to rocir transversely relatively to the last, and mechanism for rocking said shoe holding means including a lover connection with means for swinging the lever, and means for manually controlling the swinging movement of the lever.

:l-(S. Means for stretching a shoe on a last, comprising last holding means, shoe holding ieans mounted to rock transversely relatively to the last, and mechanism for rocking said shoe holding means including a lever connection and means for swinging the lever, with manually controlled means operative to shift the fulcrum of the lever.

4'7. Means for stretching a shoe on a last,

comprising a support, shoe holding means pivotally mounted on said support for transverse swinging movement of the holding means relative to the last, means for engaging and holding the last against transverse movement relative to the shoe holding means and shoe, and mechanism for rocking the shoe holding means transversely of the last to stretch and loosen the shoe on the last, said mechanism including a lever connection to the shoe holding means with manually controlled means for swinging the lever to rock the shoe holding means.

1-8. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts comprising, in combination, means to engage o )posite outer sides of a shoe to grip and hold the shoe in substantially upright position, means for engaging a last within the shoe, and mechanism for effecting relative movement of the shoe gripping and holding means and the last holding means in directions to separate the shoe and its last.

49. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising in combination, means to engage and support :a shoe in upright position. means to engage a last within the shoe and mechanism for eflecting relative movement of said engaging means to effect separation of the shoe and last, said mechanism including interconnected pulling parts arranged automatically to vary their relative positions and line of pull with the resistance offered to separation by the shoe and last to eiiect separation of the shoe and last.

50. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position. comprising, in combination, means to grip and support a shoe in upright position. means to engage a last within a gripped shoe and mechanism tor etlecting movement of one ofsaid means relative to the other and along): a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi the shoe and last to separate the shoe and last.

A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts comprising, in combination, last holding means, means constructed and arranged to engage and hold a shoe in subssantially upright position and mechanism for effecting relative last and shoe separating movement of said holding meal along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane ot the shoe bottom and having a. second component length wise heclward of the shoe and last which in creases as theshoe and last are separator l, said mechanism including a plurality oi? interconnected pulling parts arranged automatically to vary their relative positions and the line of pull in response tothe resistance offered to soy ation by the shoe and last.

52. A last pulling machine tor separating shoes and lasts comprising. in combination, last holding means. means to engage and hold a shoe in upright position, and mecha nism arranged relatively to move said holding means to ellcct a progressively increasing lengthwise relative movement of the shoe and last as permitted b the relative positions of the shoe and last.

53. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts, comprising, in combination, last holding means, means to engage and hold a shoe in upright position. and mechanisnr for effecting relative movement between said holding means along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom oi the shoe and having a second component lengthvv'ise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the shoe and last said mechanism including a pulling member and a flexible pulling ment connecting said member and one of said holding means.

54-. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an. upright position comprising, in combination. means arranged to engage and hold a shoe in upright position, means arranged to engage and hold last within the shoe, and mechanism for effecting relative movement between the said holding means along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and a second and slight component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last until the last heel and shoe counter clear each other and then a substantially increased component oi"- lengthwise movement to separate the shoe and ast.

55. A last pulling machine for separatbin,

56. A. last pulling machine for separatingshoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising in combination, means to support a shoe in upright position, including gripping means to engage opposite sides ot shoe, means to engage and hold last within the shoe, and meclianisnrt'or effecting relative movement of said last and shoe engaging means along line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to effect scparation of the shoe and last, said mechanism including connections without predeter mined paths of movement and free to elicct lengthwise relative movement of a shoe and lastas permitted by different relative positions of the shoe and last.

57. 5. last pullingmachine connarising in combination, means for holding a shoe in an. upright position for the removal of a last therefrom, and last removing means organised to pull the last upwardly fronrthe shoe along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwiseheelward of the shoe.

58. frlast pulling machine comprising in combination. means for holding a shoe in an.npright position for the removal of a last there from, and last removing means or ganized to pull the last upwardly from the shoe along a line 1 aving one component sub stantially perpendicular to the plane oi? the shoe bottom and having second component lengtlnvise heclward of the shoe. id last removing means including internmnected pulling parts arranged automatically to vary th ir relative positions and line ot pull with the resistance offered to separation by the shoe and last operated upon.

A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a shoe in an upright position for the removal of a last therefrom, a last holder mounted tor tree tilting movement to engage and hold a last seated within the shoe, and means for operating said last holder to pull a last upwardly from the shoe along aline having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second and increasing component length- .wise heelward ot the 60. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising, in combination, means arranged to hold a shoe in an upright position for the removal of a last therefrom, a last spindle adapted to engage and hold a last, and operating means arranged to move said spindle and last upwardly from the shoe along aline having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward ot the shoe to separate the last from the shoe, said opera-ting means including a flexible pulling connection to the last spindle arranged automatically to change the line of pull relatively to the shoe with the resistance to separation offered by the shoe and last.

61. A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a last, an integral member arranged to engage the heel portion of a shoe at op JOSltG sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe to form an abutment for said shoe against lengthwise movement heelward, and mechanism for moving the last holding means relatively to the shoe engaging means in a direction to separate the last from the shoe.

62. A. last pulling machine having in combination, last holding means, an integral member arranged to engage the heel portion of a shoe counter at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of a shoe to form an abutment for said shoe against lengthwise movement heelward, and mechanism constructed and arranged to move the last holding means relatively to the shoe along a line having one component sub stantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi the shoe as permitted by the relative positions of the shoe and last to separate the last from the shoe.

63. A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a last, an integral member of flexible material arranged to engage the heel portion of a shoe at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe to form an abutment for said shoe against lengthwise movement heelward, and mechanism tor moving the last holding means relatively to the shoe engaging member along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe to separate the last from the shoe.

64. A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a last, an integral flexible member normally tending to engage the heel portion of a. shoe at opposite sides of the ongitudinal median line of the shoe to form an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise movement heelward. means for flexing said member to receive and release the heel portion of a shoe, and mechanism for moving said last holding means relatively to said shoe engaging member along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane ot the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

65. A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a last, a flexible band arranged to embrace the heel portion of a shoe to engage the shoe at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe, means normally tending to hold said band in engagement with the shoe, means for flexing said band to permit the insertion and withdrawal of the heel portion of the shoe, and mechanism arranged to move the last holding means relatively to the shoe along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe to separate the last from the shoe.

66. A last pulling machine having, in combination, lastholding means, flexible substantially U-shaped means arranged to embrace the rear portion of a shoe to engage the shoe around the counter portion of its heel end whereby the shoe may be held for removal of the last therefrom, and mechanism for operating said last holding means to move said last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward ot the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

67. A last pulling machine having, in combination, last holding means, manually con trolled means for releasably engaging and holding the rear portion of a shoe at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe to hold the shoe for the removal of a last therefrom, and mechanism for operating the last holding means to move the last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to. the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

68. A last pulling machine for separating shoes in lasts while in an upright position. comprising in combination, last holding means, means arranged to engage the rear portion of a shoe atopposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe to sup port the shoe in upright position, and mechanism for operating the last holding means to move the last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward ot the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

69. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright positlOll'(fOIllPllSlDg, in combination, last holding means, and manually controlled means ior-releasably engaging the rear portion of a shoe at opposite sides of the longitudinal V median line of the shoe to gtorm an abut- I the last from the shoe.

70. A last pulling machine having, in combination, last holding means, means arranged to embrace the rear portion of a shoe to form an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise movement heelward, and michanism for operating said last holding means to move the last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi the shoe to remove the last from the shoe, said mechanism including interconnected pulling parts arranged automatically to change their relative positions and lines of pull with the resistance offered to separation by the shoe and last.

Tl. A. last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position, comprising in combination, last holding means; an integral member ar 'anged to engage the heel end of a shoe at opposite sides oi the longitudinal median line of the shoe to form anabutment tor the shoe against lengthwise movement 'heelward, and mechanism for moving the lastholding means relatively to'the shoe engaging means in a direction to remove the last from the shoe, said mechanism including interconnected pulling parts arranged automatically to change their relative positions and lines of pull with the resistance ofiered to separationby the shoe and last."

72. A last pulling machine having in combination, last holding means, means arranged and normally tendingto engage the rear portion of a shoe at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the shoe to fornr an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise movement heelward, manually controlled means for releasing said shoe from said engaging means. and mechanism for operating the last holding means to move the last along a line having one component substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a sec-- ond component lengthwise heelward of the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

73. A last pulling machine having in combination, means for holding a last, means for holding a shoe. and mechanism for effecting movement of the last holding means to remove the last from within the shoe, said mcchanism having a pluralityot interconnected pulling parts,- including a chain connection to the last holding means said parts being arranged automatically to vary their relative positions and the line of pull in response to the resistance ofiered by the shoe to removal of the last during the successive stages of last removal. 7

T l. A last'pulling machinehaving, incom bination, means for holding a last, means for holding a shoe, mechanism for moving one otsaid holding means relative to the other to effect relative movement of the shoe and last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last to separate the shoe and last, said mechanism including a pulling chain in operative connection with said holding means.

75. A; last pulling machine 7 having, in combination, means for holding a last, means for holding ashoe, and mechanism for etfecting relative movement oi: said. holding means in directions to separate the last and shoe, said mechanism having a plurality of interconnected pulling members, includinga chain connection to one 01": said holding last pin for engaging and. holding a last,

and mechanism for moving said last pin to effect movement of the last along a line havin one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelivard of the shoe and last, saidmechanism including a chain in operative connection with the last pin to permit tree tilt ing movement of the last pin to engage and hold the last.

77. A last pulling machine having, in combination means for holding a shoe. a jack to engage and hold a last, mechanism for moving said jack to effect movement of the last along a line having one componentof movement substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component of movement lengthwise heelward of the shoe to remove the last from the shoe, said mechanism including a chain in connection with the jack to permit free tilting movementof the jack to engage and hold the last. 7

78. A last pulling machine having, in combination, means for holding a shoe.

means for holding a last, mechanism for ef iecting movement of said last holding means to remove the last from within a shoe, said mechanism having a plurality of relatively movable pulling parts in operative connection with said last holding means, including a chain connection to said holding means, movable relatively to said holding means to vary the line of pull on the last responsively to res iuce (altered by the shoe to the removal of the last during the successive stages of lastand shoe separation. iv

79. A last pulling machine having, in combination, means for holding a shoe, means for holding a last. mechanism for etfecting movement the last holding means to move the last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi the shoe to remove the last from the shoe, said mechanism including a chain connection to the last holding means and operating mechanism to pull the chain connection to effect such separation of the last and shoe.

80. A last pulling machine having, in combination, means for holding a shoe. a jack for holding a last seated within the shoe, and mechanism for effecting movement of said jack to move the last from within the shoe along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward oi the shoe, said mechanism having a plurality of relatively movable pulling members. including a chain connection to said jack, automatically movable relatively to said jack to vary the line of pull on the last in response tothe resistance offered by the shoe to the removal of the last during successive stages of last removal.

S1. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising, in combination, a support for the shoe bottom. means to engage the rear portion of the shoeat opposite sides of its longitudinal median line to form an abutment for the shoe against lengthwise movement heelward. last holding means. and mechanism to move the last holding means to pull the last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heel ward at the shoe to remove the last from the shoe.

82. A ast pulling machine tor separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising, in combination, means to hold a shoe for the removal of a last therefrom including a yielding support for the shoe sole, and mechanism for removing the last from the shoe by movement along a line having one-component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe.

83.- A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising shoe engaging means arranged to support a shoe in upright position, last engaging means. mechanism for effecting relative movement of said engaging means to cli'ect relative separating movement of the shoe and last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last, said mechanism including a power rotated shaft, shoe and last sepa rating instrumentalities with manually con trolled means for operatively connecting said instrumentalities to said shaft to separate a shoe and last and with means for automatically disconnecting the same from said sh att at the end of a separating operation.

84. A last pulling machine for separating shoes and lasts while in an upright position comprising shoe engaging means, last engaging means, mechanism for effecting upward movement of said last engaging means to remove the last from the shoe along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe, said mechanism including a power rotated shaft, last pulling instrumentalities with manually controlled means for operatively connecting said instrument-alities to said shaft to remove the last from the shoe and with means for automatically disconnecting the parts from said shaft at the end of a last pulling operation.

85. A last pullin machine having in com bination, shoe engaging means, last engaging means, mechanism for pulling one of said engaging means upwardly relatively to the other to effect separation of the shoe and last along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom of the shoe and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe and last, and means automatically engaging and supporting said upwardly pulled engaging means at the end of its shoe and last separating movement.

86. A last pulling machine tor separating shoes and lasts while in upright position having in combination. shoe engaging means, last engaging means, mechanism for pulling the last engaging means upwardly relatively to the shoe to remove the last from the shoe by movement along a line having one component substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shoe bottom and having a second component lengthwise heelward of the shoe, and latching means automatically engaging and supporting the last engaging means at the end of its last removing operation.

87. A last pulling machine having, in combination, shoe holding means and last holding means mounted for relative movement transversely and longitudinally otthe shoe and last, and mechanism for effecting relative movements of the shoe holding means and last holding means in said transverse and longitudinal directions respectively to loosen the shoe on its last and toseparatethe lastand the loosened shoe.

88. A last pulling machine having, in combination, last engaging means, means arranged to engage opposite sides of the counter portion of a shoe and to hold the shoe for the removal of its last means for moving said last engaging means to pull the last from its shoe said shoe engaging means being arranged to loosen the shoe on its last to facilitate the pulling of the last.

89. A last pulling machine having, in combination, shoe engaging means and last holding means mounted tor relative movement, means for causing relative movement of said engaging means and last holding means to force the shoe against one part of the last and away from another part of the last to loosen the shoe on the last, and means for moving the last holding means relatively to the shoe engaging means to pull the last lengthwise from the loosened shoe.

90. A last pulling machine having, in

pull aflastfrom its shoe and means engaging opposite sides of the counter portion of a shoe to grip and hold the shoe "for the removal of its last, said counter gripping means being constructed and arranged for movement relatively to the last to loosen the counter portion of the upperon the last to facilitate the removal of the heel end of the last from Within the shoe.

91. A machine for separating a shoe, and a last having means for loosening the upper of. the shoe on the last prior to the start of the separation of the shoe and the last and co-operating last engaging means, posi tioncd at the heel of the last.

92. A machine for separating a shoe and a last having a single movable shoe engaging means for loosening the upper ot the shoe on the last and a single movable last engaging means, positioned at the heel of the last and arranged for co-operation with said single movable shoe engaging means.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification. Y

BENJAMIN Eli/LAYO. 

